In a showdown that promises to be as intense as it is significant, the United States and Canada will square off in the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match this Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the SoFi Stadium in California. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM ET, presenting each team with an opportunity to salvage pride after both fell short in their semifinals.
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is looking to recover from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Panama, marking the first time in the tournament's history that they will not take home the trophy. This setback has left coach Mauricio Pochettino's side searching for answers, as they contend with the absence of key players including Folarin Balogun, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury, and Sergino Dest, who continues to recover from an ACL tear. Their experienced striker Ricardo Pepi is also unavailable due to a knee problem, and Johnny Cardoso is out with a muscle issue.
On the flip side, Canada enters this match with its own baggage, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the semifinals. Jesse Marsch's squad had several chances but struggled to convert against a resolute Mexican defense, plagued additionally by a controversial no-call on a potential penalty. Historically, Canada has faced challenges in third-place playoffs, with their last win recorded in the 2002 Gold Cup. However, they are riding a wave of recent success, having won their last five matches where they managed to score.
This matchup is not just significant for the immediate stakes; it carries historical weight as well. Should Canada secure a victory, it would mark their first consecutive wins against the U.S. since the 1980s—a timeframe that fans would consider a momentous achievement.
Conversely, the U.S. will be looking for redemption and to avoid back-to-back losses at home for the first time since the 2024 Copa America after their unexpected semifinal loss. The U.S. holds a strong record against Canada in the Nations League, winning both previous home matches, including the finals in 2023.
The two rivals last met in a friendly, where the U.S. suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat back in September. Following this, they faced each other in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the U.S. triumphed in a quarterfinal shootout after a tightly contested 2-2 draw.
Fans can catch the action streaming live on Paramount+, with additional viewing options available on UniMás, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, and ViX. Coverage begins an hour before kickoff, coinciding with the anticipation building around the match.
Star players from both sides will be crucial to their teams’ success. On the U.S. side, Christian Pulisic is approaching a significant milestone in his career, eyeing third place on the all-time goal-scoring list. Meanwhile, young Canadian forward Jonathan David is poised to become Canada’s all-time leading scorer with one more goal, an achievement that could energize the Canadian fan base.
Moreover, Canada’s coach has indicated changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of key players like Alphonso Davies and Ismael Kone, while veterans such as Cyle Larin will look to contribute their experience in high-stakes situations.
As the players warm up and the anticipation builds, both teams are aware that while this match serves as a consolation for their semifinal exits, it is also a platform to re-establish their regional dominance and build confidence moving forward. In a tournament setting, every match counts, and this encounter will certainly resonate as each team fights to end their campaign on a high note.
When the whistle blows on Sunday evening, it won't just be about reclaiming pride; it will also factor significantly into the teams’ preparations heading into the looming World Cup, making this third-place match a pivotal moment in both programs' history.
